I decided to create this blog after a sudden onset of a serious medical condition. Scroll down to the bottom to start at the beginning of this journey. The events that have occurred over the past three weeks are very interesting. I have many people who want to be updated, and thought this might be an easy way to keep people in the loop! The initial postings are long because they basically summarize the initial two weeks of my illness.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Hi, This is Wendy's sis Terry again. Wendy got home today and is now resting comfortably (sort of) in her own bed. Hopefully being home will help recovery go even more quickly now. She's very sleepy and sore, but we're all just so glad she's back!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Wendy's surgery got started a little late yesterday and she was finished after about 3 hours and all went well. They were able to use laprascopic surgery for the entire procedure, which is good news - recovery will be easier because of that! The risks with this surgery involved fluctuating bp and heart rate as the tumor was removed, and thankfully that was all held under control. She is safe! After surgery her vitals have been "rock solid" steady, as Rob described to me. Of course she is in some pain and very groggy and hoarse - all to be expected. What a relief. We are all so grateful to everyone for their prayers, love, support, meals, etc!

She was expected to stay in ICU for the night, but since she was doing so well, there was some discussion of putting her in a regular room sooner. I will update again later when there is more news!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

It is hard to believe that after all this time, the big day is finally almost here. These past two weeks on the new meds were not as bad as I thought. They did make me tired and dizzy, but nothing that was unbearable!

Now I am heading off to bed. We have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 12 noon...the surgery is at 2pm and will take 3-4 hours. I am scared and nervous, but I am ready to get on with life and finally release the "hold" button!

Friday, June 5, 2009

We went to Boston this past Tuesday for my pre op appt. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but I think I am okay with it all. They took a bunch of blood, did an EKG, physical, and history. I met with a NP (nurse practitioner) from anesthesia, a nurse from the surgery dept, and a very short discussion with an anesthesiologist. Everything looks good and we are now counting down the days! I will spend at least one night in ICU...I am not looking forward to that! I will be glad to get moved to a regular floor, and hopefully into a private room so that my nursing instincts will not be tempted.

Yesterday I started the new medication...it does make me pretty sleepy and so far I am not too dizzy...just feel like I am walking around on a sailboat that's tipped up on one side.

We are wrapping things up at school with the kids...they finish on June 23rd. There is lots happening with them between baseball, softball, band, scouts, and recitals! We enjoyed our Memorial Day camping trip, but sadly I did not take any pictures!

My sister Terry will be here the eve of the 16th and we will get her settled in to take over the household before my surgery. It's hard to believe that after all this time, the surgery is finally in sight!

About Me

I grew up in Florida and met my husband during high school, although we only dated a few months back then. We started dating again his last semester of college. We both attended the Univ. of Florida. We have been married for almost 18 years and have three beautiful children, ages 14, 12, and 8. We also have a cat and two soft coated Wheaten Terriers.
We now live in New Hampshire and enjoy the seasons and all the beauty of New Enlgland. Camping has become our favorite past time and we especially love heading north to Bar Harbor.
I graduated from Nursing School at UF in 1992 and have mostly done cardiac care nursing. I tried my hand at some home health when I was pregnant with my youngest and have also done some skilled nursing. My true love is cardiac nursing!